dwreck
Active Member
Random question:
Does the drag on an airplane change due to headwind?
Some of the texts I read state that drag is calculated based on airspeed.
When flying in a headwind, the groundspeed will reduce. Therefore, to increase the groundspeed, one has to increase the airspeed, which in turns will increase drag, since drag is proportional to the square of velocity.
But, I was basically wondering if there is a separate drag component that takes into account the effect of wind when doing the Thrust = Drag analysis for cruise.
I apologize if this sounds like a silly question.
Does the drag on an airplane change due to headwind?
Some of the texts I read state that drag is calculated based on airspeed.
When flying in a headwind, the groundspeed will reduce. Therefore, to increase the groundspeed, one has to increase the airspeed, which in turns will increase drag, since drag is proportional to the square of velocity.
But, I was basically wondering if there is a separate drag component that takes into account the effect of wind when doing the Thrust = Drag analysis for cruise.
I apologize if this sounds like a silly question.
